France's Constitutional Council strikes down social media ban for under-15s

Published Aug 14, 02:11 PM UTC

France's top constitutional authority, the Constitutional Council, struck down a ban on social media access for children under 15 on August 14, 2026. The Council ruled that Article 1 of the legislation constituted an infringement on freedom of expression and communication that was 'neither appropriate, necessary, nor proportionate' for those under 15. The law had been championed by President Emmanuel Macron, who thanked parliament for backing it and pledged enforcement by September. Following the ruling, the Elysee Palace stated Macron tasked Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu with drafting a new 'legally robust' version of the legislation as quickly as possible, taking into account the Council's decision and European regulatory frameworks. The presidency affirmed Macron's determination to implement the reform remains undiminished, amid growing international efforts to restrict social media access for children due to concerns over harmful effects.